Shame is closely related to guilt, but there is a key qualitative difference. No audience is needed for feelings of guilt, no one else need know, for the guilty person is his own judge. Not so for shame. The humiliation of shame requires disapproval or ridicule by others. If no one ever learns of a
misdeed there will be no shame, but there still might be guilt. Of course, there may be both. The distinction between shame and guilt is very
important, since these two emotions may tear a person in opposite directions. The wish to relieve guilt may motivate a confession, but the wish to
avoid the humiliation of shame may prevent it.

Paul Ekman,

Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend,Th' avenging fiend, that follows us behindWith whips and stings.

You cut up a thing that's alive and beautiful to find out how it's alive and why it's beautiful, and before you know it, it's neither of those things, and you're standing there with blood on your face and tears in your sight and only the terrible ache of guilt to show for it.